NIKE - Greek Goddess of Victory (Roman Victoria) Nike Nike holding lyre, Athenian red-figure lekythos C5th B.C., Blanton Museum of Art NIKE (Nicé) was the winged goddess of victory--victory both in war and in peaceful competition. When Zeus was gathering allies at the start of the Titan War , Styx brought her four children Nike (Victory), Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Cratus Strength) and Bia (Force) into the god's service. Nike was appointed his charioteer and together the four became sentinels of Zeus' throne. Nike was depicted in ancient Greek vase painting with a variety of attributes including a wreath or sash to crown a victor, an oinochoe and phiale (bowl and cup) for libations, a thymiaterion (incense burner), an altar, and a lyre for the celebration of victory in song. In scenes of the War of the Giants she appears as the charioteer of Zeus. In mosaic art and coins Nike is often shown holding a palm branch as a symbol of victory.

Nike was closely identified with the goddess Athena and at times was little more than an attribute of the goddess. Nike was sometimes multiplied into a host of Nikai (Nicae, Victories). FAMILY OF NIKE [1] PALLAS & STYX (Hesiod Theogony 383, Bacchylides Frag 11 & Ep 2, Apollodorus 1.9, Hyginus Preface) [2] ARES (Homeric Hymn 8 to Ares) ENCYCLOPEDIA NICE (Nikê). 1. The goddess of victory, or, as the Romans called her, Victoria, is described as a daughter of Pallas and Styx, and as a sister of Zelus (zeal), Cratos (strength), and Bia (force). At the time when Zeus entered upon the fight against the Titans, and called upon the gods for assistance, Nice and her two sisters were the first that came forward, and Zeus was so pleased with their readiness, that he caused them ever after to live with him in Olympus. (Hes. Theog. 382, &c.; Apollod. i. 2.

§ 2.) Nice had a celebrated temple on the acropolis of Athens, which is still extant and in excellent preservation. (Paus. i. 22. § 4. iii. 15. § 5.) She is often seen represented in ancient works of art, especially together with other divinities, such as Zeus and Athena, and with conquering heroes whose horses she guides. In her appearance she resembles Athena, but has wings, and carries a palm or a wreath, and is engaged in raising a trophy, or in inscribing the victory of the conqueror on a shield. (Paus. v. 10. § 2. 11. §§ 1, 2, .vi. 18. § 1.) 2. Nice also occurs as a surname of Athena, under which the goddess had a sanctuary on the acropolis of Megara. (Paus. i. 42. § 4; Eurip. Ion, 1529.) Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.

CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Nike pouring libations, Athenian red-figure nolan amphora C5th B.C., Tampa Museum of Art Hesiod, Theogony 383 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "And Styx the daughter of Okeanos (Oceanus) was joined to Pallas and bare Zelos (Emulation) and trim-ankled Nike (Victory) in the house. Also she brought forth Kratos (Cratus, Strength) and Bia (Force), wonderful children." Homeric Hymn 8 to Ares 4 (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "[Ares] father of warlike (eupolemos) Nike, ally of Themis." Bacchylides, Fragment 11 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Nike . . .

daughter of thick-tressed, right-judging Styx." Bacchylides, Epigrams 2 : "Far-famed daughter of Pallas, lady Nike." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 9 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Nike, Kratos (Cratus), Zelos (Zelus), and Bia were born to Pallas and Styx." Pseudo-Hyginus, Preface (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "From Pallas the giant and Styx [were born] : Scylla, Vis (Force) [Bia], Invidia (Jealousy) [Zelos], Potestas (Power) [Kratos], Victoria (Victory) [Nike]." NIKE & THE WAR OF THE TITANS Hesiod, Theogony 383 ff (trans.

Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "And Styx the daughter of Okeanos (Oceanus) was joined to Pallas and bare Zelos (Emulation) and trim-ankled Nike (Victory) in the house. Also she brought forth Kratos (Cratus, Strength) and Bia (Force), wonderful children. These have no house apart from Zeus, nor any dwelling nor path except that wherein God leads them, but they dwell always with Zeus the loud-thunderer. For so did Styx the deathless daughter of Okeanos plan on that day when the Olympian Lightener called all the deathless gods to great Olympos (Olympus), and said that whosoever of the gods would fight with him against the Titanes (Titans), he would not cast him out from his rights, but each should have the office which he had before amongst the deathless gods. And he declared that he who was without office and rights as is just. So deathless Styx came first to Olympos with her children through the wit of her dear father.

And Zeus honoured her, and gave her very great gifts, for her he appointed to be the great oath of the gods, and her children to live with him always. And as he promised, so he performed fully unto them all." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 9 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Nike, Kratos (Cratus), Zelos (Zelus), and Bia were born to Pallas and Styx. Zeus instituted and oath to be sworn by the waters of Styx that flowed from a rock in Haides' realm, an honor granted in return for the help she and her children gave him against the Titanes (Titans)." Bacchylides, Fragment 11 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Nike (Victory) . . .

in gold-rich Olympos you stand beside Zeus and judge the outcome of prowess for immortals and mortals." NIKE, ZEUS & THE GIANT TYPHOEUS Nike and the chariot of Zeus, Athenian red-figure amphora C4th B.C., Musée du Louvre Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2. 205 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : "[When the monster Typhoeus besieged Olympos (Olympus), all the gods fled except for Zeus and Nike :] Zeus was alone, when Nike (Victory) came to comfort him, scoring the high paths of the air with her shoe. She had the form of Leto; and while she armed her father, she made him a speech full of reproaches with guileful lips : ‘Lord Zeus! Stand up as champion of your own children! Let me never see Athene mingled with Typhon [Typhoeus], she who knows not the way of a man with a maid! Make not a mother of the unmothered! Fight, brandish your lightning, the fiery spear of Olympos!

Gather once more your clouds, lord of the rain! For the foundations of the steadfast universe are already shaking under Typhon's hands: the four blended elements are melted! Deo [Demeter] has renounced her harvests. Hebe has left her cup, Ares has thrown down his spear, Hermes has dropped his staff, Apollon has cast away his harp, and taken a swan's form, and flown off on the wing, leaving his winged arrows behind! Aphrodite, the goddess who brings wedlock to pass, has gone a wandering, and the universe is without seed. The bonds indissoluble of harmony are dissolved, leaving behind his generative arrows, the adorner of brides, he the all-mastering, the unmastered! And your fiery Hephaistos (Hephaestus) has left his favourite Lemnos, and dragging unruly knees, look how slowly he keeps his unsteady course! See a great miracle--I pity your Hera, though she hates me sure enough! What--is your begetter [Kronos (Cronus)] to come back into the assembly of the stars? May that never be, I pray!

Even if I am called a Titenis, I wish to see no Titan lords of Olympos, but you and your children. Take your lordly thunderbolt and champion chaste Artemis.’" Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2. 358 & 2. 475 ff : "[The monster Typhoeus engaged Zeus in battle :] Eris (Strife) was Typhon's escort in the mellay, Nike (Victory) led Zeus into battle . . . impartial Enyo held equal balance between the two sides, between Zeus and Typhon, while the thunderbolts with booming shots revel like dancers in the sky." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2. 414 ff : "[In the battle between Zeus and Typhoeus :] Nike (Victory) lifted her shield and held it before Zeus : Enyo countered with a shout, and Ares made a din." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2. 699 ff : "Zeus Kronides (Cronides) . . .

swiftly turned his golden chariot toward the round of the ethereal stars, while Nike by his side drove her father's team with the heavenly whip." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 5. 88 ff : "[At the wedding of Kadmos (Cadmus) and Harmonia :] Nike (Victory) turned a tripling foot for the pleasure of Zeus, and stood as bridesmaid crying triumph for Kadmos the god's champion [i.e. who had assisted him in his conflict with the monster Typhoeus]; about the bridebed she wove the wedding song with her virgin voice, and moved her gliding steps in the pretty circles of the dance, while she fluttered her wings, shamesfast beside the wings of the Erotes (Loves)." NIKE GODDESS OF VICTORY IN CONTESTS Nike holding victory-sash, Athenian red-figure amphora C5th B.C., Musée du Louvre Pindar, Isthmian Ode 2. 26 ff (trans.

Conway) (Greek lyric C6th to 5th B.C.) : "When golden Nike (Victory) nursed him [the victorious athlete] on her bosom in their land." Simonides, Fragment (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric III) (Greek lyric C6th to 5th B.C.) : "To win glory, stepping into the chariot of honoured Nike (Victory): for to one man only does the goddess grant to jump into her great carriage." Bacchylides, Fragment 3 (trans. Campbell, Vol.

Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Hiero's swift horses, Olympic runners: they sped in the company of pre-eminent Nikai (Nicae, Victories) and Aglaiai (Aglaeae, Glories) by the wide-eddying Alpheus [during the Olympic Games]." Bacchylides, Fragment 6 : "Thanks to Nike (Victory) the hymn of song-ruling Ourania (Urania) gives praise in an ode sung before your house." Bacchylides, Fragment 10 : "Golden blessed Nike (Victory)." Bacchylides, Fragment 10 : "As by the grace of Nike (Victory) you bound your blond head with flowers, when [he won the contest in the Games]." Bacchylides, Fragment 11 : "Nike (Victory), giver of sweetness, to you the father, son of Ouranos (Uranus), on his high bench has granted glorious honour, so that in gold-rich Olympos you stand beside Zeus and judge the outcome of prowess for immortals and mortals: be gracious, daughter of thick-tressed, right-judging Styx;

 it is thanks to you that Metapontion .

. . is now filled with the celebrations and festivities of strong-limbed youths, and they sing the praises of the Pythian victor." Bacchylides, Fragment 13 : "By the altar of Zeus, best ruler, the flowers of glory-bringing Nike [i.e.

the victory crown of the Games] nourish for men--a few mortals--a golden reputation conspicuous in their life-time always; and when the dark-blue cloud of death covers them there is left behind undying fame for the deed well done." Bacchylides, Fragment 12 : "Lady Nike (Victory) orders me to go to Aigina's blessed island and adorn its god-built city [with victory-songs]." Bacchylides, Epigrams 2 : "Far-famed daughter of Pallas, lady Nike, may you always look with favour on the lovely chorus of the Karthaians (Carthaeans) the sons of Kranaus (Cranaus) and in the pastimes of the Mousai (Muses) crown Bakkhylides (Bacchylides) of Keos (Ceos) with many garlands." Aristophanes, Birds 574 ff (trans. O'Neill) (Greek comedy C5th to 4th B.C.) : "[On winged gods :] Hermes is a god and has wings and flies, and so do many other gods.

First of all, Nike (Victory) flies with golden wings, Eros (Love) is undoubtedly winged too, and Iris (Messenger) is compared by Homer to a timorous dove." Ovid, Metamorphoses 6. 82 (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "[In the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the dominion of Athens :] She shows an olive tree, springing pale-green with berries on the boughs; the gods admire; Victoria (Victory) [Nike] ends the work." NIKE GODDESS OF VICTORY IN WAR Nike pouring libations, Athenian red-figure lekythos C5th B.C., Harvard Art Museums Homeric Hymn 8 to Ares 4 (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "[Ares god of war] father of warlike (eupolemos) Nike, ally of Themis." Simonides, Fragment 15 (trans. Campbell, Vol.

Greek Lyric III) (Greek lyric C6th to 5th B.C.) : "The Greeks, having driven out the Persians by the might of Nike (Victory) and the work of Ares (War)." Orphic Hymn 33 to Nike (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "O powerful Nike (Victory), by men desired, with adverse breasts to dreadful fury fired, thee I invoke, whose might alone can quell contending rage and molestation fell. ‘Tis thine in battle to confer the crown, the victor's prize, the mark of sweet renown; for thou rulest all things." Ovid, Metamorphoses 8. 12 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "The fate of war [between Megara and Krete (Crete)] hung in the balance, and on doubtful wings long hovered Victoria (Victory) [Nike] between each side." Suidas s.v. Nike Athena (trans.

Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek Lexicon C10th A.D.) : "Nike Athena : Alternatively [she stands] allegorically for the notion that even winning is completely dependent on thought; for thought contributes to victory, but being thoughtless and impetuous while fighting leads to defeat. When she has wings she symbolizes that aspect of the mind that is sharp and, so to speak, swift-winged; but when she is depicted without wings she represents that aspect of it that is peaceful and quiet and civil, that by which the things of the earth flourish, a boon of which the pomegranate in her right hand is a representation. Just as the helmet in her left [is a representation] of battle. Thus she has the same capability as Athena." HYMNS TO NIKE Orphic Hymn 33 to Nike (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "To Nike (Victory), Fumigation from Manna. O powerful Nike, by men desired, with adverse breasts to dreadful fury fired, thee I invoke, whose might alone can quell contending rage and molestation fell.

'Tis thine in battle to confer the crown, the victor's prize, the mark of sweet renown; for thou rulest all things, Nike divine! And glorious strife, and joyful shouts are thine. Come, mighty Goddess, and thy suppliant bless, with sparkling eyes, elated with success; may deeds illustrious thy protection claim, and find, led on by thee, immortal fame." CULT & STATUES OF NIKE "Nike of Brescia" or "Vittoria Alata", Greco-Roman bronze statue C1st B.C., Santa Giulia City Museum, Brescia I. ATHENS Chief City of Attica (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 22. 4 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "On the right of the gateway [of the Akropolis (Acropolis) in Athens] is a temple of Nike Apteron (Wingless)." Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 24. 7 : "The statue of Athena [on the Akropolis in Athens] is upright with a tunic reaching to her feet . . .

She holds a statue of Nike (Victory) about four cubits high, and in the other hand a spear." Pausanias, Description of Greece 3. 15. 7 : "[At Sparta in Lakedaimonia (Lacedaemonia)] is an old image of Enyalios [Ares] in fetter. The idea the Lakedaimonians express by this image is the same as the Athenians express by their Wingless Nike; the former think that Enyalios will never run away from them, being bound in the fetters, while the Athenians think that Nike, having no wings, will always remain where she is. In this fashion, and with such a belief, have these cities set up the wooden images." Pausanias, Description of Greece 4. 36. 6 : "The Athenians dedicated a bronze statue of Nike also on the acropolis as a memorial of the events of Sphakteria (Sphacteria) [their victory over the Spartans]." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 26. 6 : "The wooden image at Athens called Nike Apteron (Wingless Victory)." Suidas s.v. Nike Athena (trans.

Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek Lexicon C10th A.D.) : "Nike Athena: Lykourgos (Lycurgus) in the [speech] On the Priestess [mentions her]. That the xoanon of Nike, wingless, holding a pomegranate in her right hand and a helmet in her left, was worshipped by the Athenians Heliodoros the Periegete has shown in the first book of his On the Akropolis. Alternatively [she stands] allegorically for the notion that even winning is completely dependent on thought; for thought contributes to victory, but being thoughtless and impetuous while fighting leads to defeat. When she has wings she symbolizes that aspect of the mind that is sharp and, so to speak, swift-winged; but when she is depicted without wings she represents that aspect of it that is peaceful and quiet and civil, that by which the things of the earth flourish, a boon of which the pomegranate in her right hand is a representation. Just as the helmet in her left [is a representation] of battle. Thus she has the same capability as Athena." II.

PIRAEUS (PEIRAIOS) Town of Attica (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 1. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "[In the temple of Zeus at Peiraios (Piraeus) in Attika :] The images are of bronze; Zeus holds a staff and a Nike." III. TITANE Town of the Argolis (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 11. 8 : "In the gable [of the temple of Asklepios (Asclepius) at Titane in Argolis] at the ends are figures of Herakles and of Nikai (Nicae, Victories)." IV. SPARTA Chief City of Lacedaemonia (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 3. 17. 4 : "The west portico [of the temple of Athene (Athena) in Sparta, Lakedaimonia] has two eagles, and upon them are two Nikai (Nicae, Victories). Lysander dedicated them to commemorate both his exploits [war victories]." V.

OLYMPIA Sanctuary in Elis (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 11. 1 : "In his [the statue of Zeus in his temple at Olympia] right hand he carried a Nike, which, like the statue, is of ivory and gold; she wears a ribbon and--on her head--a garland . . . There are four Nikai (Nicae, Victories), represented as dancing women, one at each foot of the throne, and two others at the base of each foot." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 10. 4 : "At Olympia . . . a Nike, also gilt, is set in about the middle of the pediment [of the temple of Zeus]." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 14. 8 : "[At Olympia] is an altar of . . . . Zeus Purifier, one of Nike." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 17.

3 : "[In the temple of Hera at Olympia :] Here too have been dedicted [statues of] Leto, Tykhe (Tyche), Dionysos and a winged Nike." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 26. 1 : "The Dorian Messenians who received Naupaktos [in a victory in war] from the Athenians dedicated at Olympia the image of Nike (Victory) upon the pillar." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 26. 6 - 7 : "Beside the Athena [statue at Olympia] has been set up a Nike. The Mantineans [of Arkadia] dedicated it, but they do not mention the ware in the inscription. Kalamis (Calamis) is said to have made it without wings in imitation of the wooden image at Athens called Nike Apteron (Wingless Victory)." Pausanias, Description of Greece 6. 18. 1 : "[At Olympia :] There is also a bronze statue of Kratisthenes (Cratisthenes) of Kyrene (Cyrene), on the chariot stand Nike and Kratisthenes himself.

It is thus plain that his victory was in the chariot-race." VI. THESPIAE Town in Boeotia (Central Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 27. 5 : "Not far from the marketplace [at Thespiae, Boiotia (Boeotia)] is a Nike of bronze and a small temple of the Mousai (Muses). In it are small images made of stone." VII. SYRAKOUSA Town in Sikelia (Sicily) (Southern Italy) Cicero, De Natura Deorum 3. 34 (trans. Rackham) (Roman rhetorician C1st B.C.) : "Also he [the historic Sicilian tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse] have no scruples in removing the little gold images of Nike (Victory) and the gold cups and crowns carried in the outstretched hands of statues [of the gods]." ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART Nike - Greek Mythology's Goddess of Victory Contact Nike Greek Mythology Nike (Greek mythology) is the Greek goddess of victory, both in battle and in sport.

The Romans knew her as Victoria, a name that obviously means "victory", and is still popular today. Nike was one of four children of the Titan god of war Pallas, and the Naiad Styx (not to be confused with the river Styx of Hades Underworld ). Her siblings are Kratos (Greek mythology) , Bia (Greek mythology), and Zelus (Greek mythology), who represented Strength, Force, and Rivalry, respectively. Most people recognize the name Nike in association with the globally popular shoe brand. This is not by accident. The founder of Nike (corporation), Phil Knight, chose the name purposely for its association with victory in sport. In fact, everything about the branding of the company comes from the mythology of this goddess. Interestingly, for a goddess of such fame, there isn't a lot of mythology about Nike (Greek mythology). Most tales of Nike are intermixed with tales of Athena (Greek mythology), the goddess of War and Strategy . Nike and Athena were both said to be among the few gods to stand by the side of Zeus, king of the gods , in the famous war against the king of monsters Typhon for control of Olympus .

This is probably where Nike's run in Greek mythology really begins and ends. It is said that she, along with her siblings, were the first to join Zeus in that battle, and they are often all depicted as standing by his throne as his sentinels. Nike herself was given a golden chariot to lead Zeus's troops into battle. From this point in the legend, there is not much talk about Nike. Athena really takes over as the primary goddess of this myth, though Nike is attributed by the ancient poet Nonnus of Panopolis, with one of myth's first great victory speeches to Zeus prior to the battle with Typhon: "Lord Zeus! Stand up as champion of your own children! Let me never see Athene mingled with Typhon, she who knows not the way of a man with a maid! Make not a mother of the unmothered! Fight, brandish your lightning, the fiery spear of Olympos! Gather once more your clouds, lord of the rain! For the foundations of the steadfast universe are already shaking under Typhon’s hands : the four blended elements are melted! Deo has renounced her harvests.

Hebe has left her cup, Ares has thrown down his spear, Hermes has dropped his staff, Apollon has cast away his harp, and taken a swan’s form, and flown off on the wing, leaving his winged arrows behind! Aphrodite, the goddess who brings wedlock to pass, has gone a wandering, and the universe is without seed. The bonds indissoluble of harmony are dissolved, leaving behind his generative arrows, the adorner of brides, he the all-mastering, the unmastered! And your fiery Hephaistos has left his favourite Lemnos, and dragging unruly knees, look how slowly he keeps his unsteady course! See a great miracle --I pity your Hera, though she hates me sure enough! What--is your begetter [Kronos] to come back into the assembly of the stars? May that never be, I pray! Even if I am called a Titenis, I wish to see no Titan lords of Olympos, but you and your children. Take your lordly thunderbolt and champion chase Artemi." Goddess Nike - Goddess of Victory - The Meaning of the Word 'Nike'.

COMMENT The word 'Nike' Meaning, Roots and Etymology 'Nike' [Νίκη] is a Greek word pronounced 'Nee-key' and it is synonymous with the word 'Victory'. Its origins are rooted in proto-Indo-European languages to mean 'first', 'victor' and 'afore' from 'Nikh', pronounced 'neekh'. It is postulated that 'Nikh' may have been combined with 'skei', to cut or split, to allude to the idea that a victor is separated from all others; or that 'Nike' comes from 'Nei', to be excited or to shine, and 'kigh', fast or violent. The ancient Afro-Asiatic word ‘Nekht’, to mean a combination of ‘victor’, ‘strong’, ‘peerless’ and ‘divinely blessed’, has also been suggested as a root for ‘Nike’ but, whilst the two words are tantamount, they are etymologically independent of one another. ‘Nekht’ was often appended to the name of Pharaohs, who were embodiments of the Egyptian god Horus.

In turn, Horus received the epithet ‘Nekht’ from his goddess mother Isis after he subdued his uncle Set in battle after Set had mutilated Horus’ father Osiris. This battle, between the new and old order, has similarities with the Greek myth of the Titanomachy: my mother bestowed me, ‘Nike’, to my cousin Zeus; as his Divine Charioteer I helped him overthrow his father Kronos and the Titans, who had previously conspired and castrated their own father Ouranos. In the aftermath of the battle, Zeus, the Olympic allies and I flew over the land now known as Egypt. 'Nike' in Latin is 'Victoria' and that is why I am also called Goddess Victoria and the English word 'Victory' derives from this Latin word. 'Victoria' itself derives from 'Vijaya' [विजया], a word in the ancient Ayran language of Sanskrit. ‘Vijay’ is a title of Arjuna, an Indian mythological figure considered to be the greatest warrior of all time. Arjuna, received his title from the divine charioteer Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu who a deity of Narayana, the supreme soul.

Vishnu is conjugated from ‘vi’, to set apart, and ‘shnu’, mountaintops, to mean ‘The one who sets apart the highest peaks’ and this is similar to one of the proto-Indo-European roots of ‘Nike’ mentioned above, the idea that a victor is set apart from all others. Vishnu is male and Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, wisdom, fortune, fertility and courage, is his female complement. Lakshmi is derived from the word ‘laks’, ‘to perceive’, and this gives her name a similar meaning to Athena, my dear sister. Thus, as a pair and as protectors and supporters of humankind, Vishnu and Lakshmi are the Vedic manifestation of Athena and I. According to Montgomery's Dictionary of Maya Hieroglyphs, the glyph corresponding to the sound 'Nak', as a verb, means 'to be victorious', 'to conquer', 'to ascend', 'to elevate' and 'to rise'; and as a noun it means a 'crown', one of my symbols; and it is also used as a numerical classifier to denote ranking.

The Japanese word ‘Nikkō’ [日光], to mean ‘sunshine’ or ‘ray of light’, contains the proto-Indo-European suggestive of ‘Nei’, which means ‘to shine’ or ‘be excited’. It is from this root ‘Nei’, that the native pronoun for ‘Japan’, ‘Nippon’ [日本], emerged to mean ‘the Sun’s origin’ or figuratively 'the Land of the Rising Sun’. To the Gods, the land was known as the East Island. It was in the heart of this land, an area subsequently called Nikkō, that the mountaintop confrontation between Zeus, the Thunderer, and an unnamed and unknown Man took place. This event furnished the locality with its many descriptive names. For instance, the volcanic mountain is known as both Nantai [男体], meaning ‘Man’s body’, and Futura [二荒], meaning ‘Two Storms’. The word ‘Nikkei’ [日系], derived from ‘Nike’, means ‘Shining Ancestor’, and it refers to my sudden appearance during the ‘Two Storms’.

The first storm occurred between Zeus and the Man, and the second between Zeus and myself, and it heralded a new ‘Future’ beyond the god-inspired world fronted by the Olympian Gods to the mortal-inspired world of human beings. ‘Neikh’ [نكح] is an Arabic word for ‘sexual intercourse’ and this elemental procreative act is a form of ‘Nike’. Microscopic studies of human sexual intercourse illustrate that a single sperm cell outmanoeuvres and gains ‘Nike’, or Victory, over millions of other sperm cells by penetrating and fertilizing the female egg cell. The social form of ‘Neikh’ is ‘Nikah’, the institution of marriage, and it is considered in Semitic cultures as the primary unit of community and fundamental for communal ‘Nasr’ [نصر], Victory. Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory The Greek Goddess of Victory Nicholas Pitt/Photodisc/Getty Images By deTraci Regula Updated August 15, 2016. The name "Nike" is one of the best-known of the Greek goddesses - yet many people don't even realize Nike was a goddess first, sports brand second.

Here is a brief introduction to the story of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Nike's Appearance: A fit young woman with a blade and large wings, unusual among later Greek gods and goddesses, though many of them could take on the forms of birds in the myths. Symbol or Attributes of Nike: Her wings; often depicted with a wreath of victory or a staff; the chariot. Nike's Strengths: A very fast runner, swift flyer, able charioteer. Nike's Weaknesses: Can be capricious (inconsistent) in doling out victory. Nike's Parents: Daughter of Styx, called a nymph but actually the presiding spirit over the major river of the Underworld, and Pallas, a Titan. She has three brothers - Zelos, Kratos , and Bia, which are, respectively, rivalry, strength, and force. Nike's Spouse: None. Children: None. Some Major Temple Sites for Nike: She is depicted multiple times at the Acropolis of Athens. continue reading below our video America's Best Foodie Cities The Parthenon there is dedicated to the goddess Athena , known for wisdom and skill in war, and a close friend to Nike.

Nike, as Athena Nike, also presided over a temple on the acropolis of Megara. The famous headless winged statue of Nike was found on the mystical island of Samothrace, and some of the islanders claim it was her birthplace. Nike's Basic Story: Despite being half-Titan by her father Pallas, Nike fought against the Titans on the side of the Olympians. driving through battles in her chariot, and became synonymous with victory. Frequent Misspellings and Alternate Spellings: Niki, Nyke, Nykie, Nice Interesting Facts about Nike: Some sources give her father as Ares , the God of War. The most famous statue of Nike is the Nike of Samothrace, a Greek island in the northern Aegean. This statue is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. In Roman myth, she was known as Victoria. What About the Whoosh or Swoosh? The Nike sports brand logo has only an indirect connection with the real Nike. She was known for swooping in suddenly, and the logo reflects this, but it was not an ancient symbol of hers. More Fast Facts on Greek Gods and Goddesses: Nike Goddess of Victory [ ?

]Subscribe To This Site Nike Goddess of Victory Nike goddess of Victory was the daughter of the titan Pallas and of the goddess Styx . In fact, she represented the personification of victory, both in war and in pacific competitions. Her Roman name was Victoria. There are no specific myths concerning her. Anyway, there is a story about her mother, Styx , who brought her four children: Nike (Victory), Zelus (Rivalry), Bia (Force) and Kratos (Strength) as allies for Zeus in his war against the Titans. They became the sentinels of Zeus, while Nike goddess of Victory was the charioteer. For their help, Nike and her siblings were allowed to dwell forever in Zeus' household. When the monster Typhoeus attacked mount Olympus, all the gods fled and Zeus was left alone. Only the goddess Nike came to encourage him to continue the battle, least the order of the universe should be destroyed. She armed him and helped him in battle, by holding a shield in front of him. At the wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia, she danced and sang beautifully. In many Greek sculptures, she is represented as a winged woman, on a chariot.

Very often she holds a wreath or a palm leaf in her hand or she crowns a winner. She appears often with Zeus and Athena or with various heroes. Sometimes, Nike was represented as a friend of the Greek goddess Athena, however in Athens this was just another name used for the goddess of wisdom. The following statue is one of the most well-known representations, the so called Nike of Samothrace or Winged Victory. The Nike of Samothrace, G... And this is another representation of Nike, from her temple in Ephesus, Turkey. You will notice her traditional attributes: the wings, a wreath she holds in one of her hands and a palm leaf in the other hand: Nike - Ancient History Encyclopedia Nike by Mark Cartwright published on 30 September 2012 The ancient Greek goddess Nike was the personification of the ideal of victory. Such personifications of ideal terms were common in ancient Greek culture; other examples include Wisdom, Knowledge, and Justice. Unlike other gods in the Greek pantheon , such personifying deities were not usually given human personalities and histories.

For this reason, little is said about Nike in Greek culture beyond that her mother was Styx (daughter of Ocean) and her father was Pallas, the Titan . She had three sisters, also personified deities: Zelus (Rivalry), Cratos (Supremacy), and Bia (Force) who, with Nike, were always seated by mighty Zeus on Mt. Olympus. The goddess was a popular figure in ancient Greek art, appearing in sculpture, on pottery , and on coins. Usually fitting Hesiod ’s description as ‘beautiful-ankled Nike’, she is depicted with wings and often carries before her a wreath of victory, which she presents either to other gods or to victorious heroes and athletes. The oldest surviving winged Nike in sculpture is from Delos and dates to 550 BCE and was most probably sculpted by Archermos. The statue is in the Archaic style and strikes the typical pose of the period with bent knees and running. On Attic 5th to 4th century BCE pottery, Nike also often rides a chariot or sometimes stands next to an altar or a sacrificial bull.

Remove Ads Advertisement Usually fitting Hesiod’s description as ‘beautiful-ankled Nike’, she is depicted with wings and often carries before her a wreath of victory. One of the goddess Athena ’s most common epithets was Athena Nike and a temple to Athena as Victory was built on the Acropolis of Athens in the late 420’s BCE. Bronze akroteria (added decoration) on the corners and central ridge of the temple roof represented Nike, and the temple itself was surrounded by a balustrade decorated with a frieze which depicted figures of Nike leading bulls to sacrifice and erecting various trophies such as weapons and armour. Nike also appeared in decorative sculpture on other buildings, both in friezes and on many temple roofs as an akroteria and on many coins from Thrace to Macedonia, for example, she appears on a silver decadrachm of Syracuse ( Sicily ) where she is crowning a charioteer (c. 400 BCE).

Statues of Nike were also set up to commemorate military victories, a famous example being the 1.4 m tall Nike (490-480 BCE) on the acropolis dedicated to the general Kallimachos who was killed at the battle of Marathon where the Greeks were victorious over the Persians. In antiquity, the most celebrated representations of Nike were as part of the great 5th century BCE statues of the deities Athena and Zeus which stood, respectively, within the Parthenon of Athens and the Temple of Zeus at Olympia . These larger-than-life chryselephantine statues were made from an inner core of wood sumptuously covered in carved ivory and burnished gold . Face, torso, legs, and arms were in carved ivory and hair and clothes were made of sheet gold. In both cases, the god held in their right hand a statue of Nike, always closely associated with Athena, and in the case of Zeus and the pan - Hellenic games of Olympia, significant in her role as bestower of prizes.

The statue of Zeus was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the father of the gods is shown seated on a massive, richly decorated throne with more figures of Nike on its legs. Neither statue survives but descriptions by Pausanias , smaller Roman copies, and coin designs help give us a glimpse of the magnificence that we have lost. Myth Man's Nike, Goddess of Victory CLICK TO ENLARGE "O powerful Nike, by men desired, with adverse breasts to dreadful fury fired, thee I invoke, whose might alone can quell contending rage and molestation fell. ‘Tis thine in battle to confer the crown, the victor's prize, the mark of sweet renown; for thou rulest all things." Orphic Hymn 33 to Nike Nike is the winged goddess of Victory, Speed and Strength, able to race and fly at great speed. Nike flew around battlefields, rewarding the worthy victors with glory and fame, symbolized by a wreath of laurel leaves. She also appears carrying a palm branch, a wreath, or the staff of Hermes.

She was represented in statues and paintings as a woman with wings, dressed in billowing robes, with a wreath and/or a palm branch in her outstretched hand. She is also often shown with the staff of Hermes, which represents her role as the messenger of Victory. Nike is also portrayed erecting a trophy, or, frequently, hovering with outspread wings over the victor in a competition The Romans called her Victoria. Oddly enough, even though Nike is one of the oldest ancient Greek goddesses, predating even the mighty Olympians, she doesn't figure prominently in many myths. Nike is often found in the company of the goddess of Wisdom and War, Athena, who never puts up with defeat. Not surprisingly, she is also frequently portrayed seated next to Zeus, the King of the Olympians, or even being held by him or Athena in their open palms. The ancient poet Pausanias, in his Description of Greece 1. 1.

3 has this to say about Nike's statue in Attica: "In the temple of Zeus at Peiraios in Attika: The images are of bronze; Zeus holds a staff and a Nike." It was natural for the ancient Greeks to associate Victory with Zeus and Athena - after all, these two powerful deities were not accustomed to losing. Nike fought on the side of Zeus in his famous battle against the Titans, and assisted him in gaining victory over his fearsome rivals. As a result of this epic battle, Zeus gained control of Mount Olympus and became the supreme Olympian. According to classical myth, their mother Styx brought Nike, and her siblings Zelos, Cratos and Bia, to the leader of the uprising, Zeus, when the young god was assembling allies for the Titan War against the older deities. After receiving a gift of a golden chariot from Zeus, Nike assumed the role of the divine charioteer to him, a role in which she often is portrayed in Classical Grecian art. All four siblings were appointed as sentinels, standing guard beside the throne of Zeus.

Zeus rewarded Styx following his victory over the Titans by turning her into the famous Underworld river Styx, upon whose waters the gods swear their oaths. Hesiod, the Greek poet, in his epic poem called Theogony (Birth of the Gods), gives a terrific account of how Nike and her siblings came to the aid of Zeus: "And Styx the daughter of Okeanos (Oceanus) was joined to Pallas and bare Zelos (Emulation) and trim-ankled Nike (Victory) in the house. Also she brought forth Kratos (Cratus, Strength) and Bia (Force), wonderful children. "These have no house apart from Zeus, nor any dwelling nor path except that wherein God leads them, but they dwell always with Zeus the loud-thunderer. For so did Styx the deathless daughter of Okeanos plan on that day when the Olympian Lightener called all the deathless gods to great Olympus, and said that whosoever of the gods would fight with him against the Titans, he would not cast him out from his rights, but each should have the office which he had before amongst the deathless gods.

"And he declared that he who was without office and rights as is just. So deathless Styx came first to Olympos with her children through the wit of her dear father. And Zeus honoured her, and gave her very great gifts, for her he appointed to be the great oath of the gods, and her children to live with him always. And as he promised, so he performed fully unto them all." The Nike of Samothrace, or Winged Victory is widely acknowledged as one of the finest pieces of Hellenistic sculpture. Discovered on Samothrace in 1863 and now in the Louvre Museum, Paris, it was probably erected by Rhodians about 203 BCE to commemorate a sea battle. Excavations have shown that the sculpture was placed alighting on a flagship, which was set in the ground in such a way that it appeared to float. The statue of Nike at Athens is portrayed without wings and is called Nike Apteron (Wingless Victory). The Athenians took away her wings to signify her permanence in their city - she would not fly away, they believed.

There are two main versions of Nike's parentage: 1) Pallas and Styx - Pallas is son of the Titan Crius and Eurybia, daughter of Pontus & Gaia (Mother Earth). Styx is a daughter of the Titan Oceanus (Ocean), and a prominent river in the Underworld. 2) Ares and unknown - Ares is the god of war. Nike lives on Mount Olympus with her brothers Zelus (also known as Zelos), Cratos and Bia. You can better understand Nike's nature by taking a closer look at her brothers: Zelus ("Zeal, Rivalry") is the personification of rivalry or emulation. He is the son of Styx and the Titan Pallas and is the constant companion of Zeus. Cratos ("Strength, Supremacy") is the ancient Greek personification of strength, and dominance. Like his other siblings, he is a constant and vigilant companion of Zeus. Bia ("Force") is the personification of power and force. Bia was most famous for being the one who was made to bind to a rock the mighty Titan Prometheus as punishment from Zeus.

He was sentenced for stealing fire from the gods and delivering it to humans on earth, contrary to Zeus' orders. There was nothing sweeter for the ancient Greeks than to taste the sweet fruits of Victory, be it in war, in love or in athletics. This is a passion which survives to this day, and the thrill of Victory is one of the best feelings in the world. Nike is one of the most commonly portrayed figures on ancient coins. Even today, since Giuseppe Cassioli's design for the 1928 Summer Olympics, the obverse face of every Olympic medal bears Nike's figure holding a palm frond in her right hand and a winner’s Laurel crown in her left. As previously mentioned, Nike was depicted in ancient Greek vase paintings with a variety of attributes, including a wreath or sash to crown a victor, a bowl and cup for victory drinks, an incense burner, an altar, and a lyre for the celebration of victory in song. In scenes of the Gigantomachia (War of the Giants) she often appears driving the chariot of Zeus. In mosaic art and coins Nike is often shown holding a palm branch as a symbol of victory.

She is also shown inscribing the victory of the conqueror on a shield. Many modern companies have taken their names from Greek mythology, in an effort to present a winning image. The most famous one, of course, is Nike, the international sporting goods giant. Who wouldn't want to associate their product with winning? Besides the famous shoe company Nike , Project Nike , an American anti-aircraft missile system is named after the goddess Nike. The first FIFA World Cup trophy, celebrating the winner of the world soccer championship held every four years, featured a figure of Nike holding a vessel. It was called "Victory". The exclusive car company Rolls Royce features Nike as a hood ornament on their automobiles. As well, the Honda Automobile Company's logo is inspired by goddess Nike. Many names have originated from Nike. These include Nick, Nicholas, Nikolaos, Nicola, Nicolai, Nikolai, Nicolae, Nils, Klaas, Nicole, Ike, Niki, Nikita, Nika, Niketas and Nico. The plural of Nike is Nikai. Here is a piece from Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 11.

1 : "In his [the statue of Zeus in his temple at Olympia] right hand he carried a Nike, which, like the statue, is of ivory and gold; she wears a ribbon and--on her head--a garland . . . "There are four Nikai (Victories), represented as dancing women, one at each foot of the throne, and two others at the base of each foot." Nike is often found in the company of the goddess of Wisdom and War, Athena, who never puts up with defeat. She is also frequently portrayed seated next to Zeus, the King of the Olympians, or even being held by him or Athena in their open palms. 1932 LOS ANGELES Goddess Nike - Who is Nike? The Winged Goddess of Victory. Latest articles In 'Nike & the Olympics' we explore the ideas of Excellence, Glory & Strife that underpin the great Games. In 'Nike and War' we understand the myth of Ares, God of War, and how he relates to Nike, Goddess of Victory. In 'Nike and Ethics' we delve in to the lives of Aristotle and his prodigious student, Alexander the Great.

In 'The Swoosh Story' we chart the history of the world's most recognizable brand: Nike Inc. In 'Athena's Birth Story' we learn about one of Greek mythology's deepest intrigues. In 'Nike in Numbers' we have fun using simple gematria to equate Goddess Nike with Victory. In 'Nike and the Armenian Highland' we locate the goddess's birthplace & explain the geography of the region. In 'Formula Love', the Nicole and Lewis story, we witness a Victory inspired by the power of Love. Quote of the day

Question: Who is the Greek goddess of victory?
Answer: NIKE